Renewing Your Indian Passport in UAE Without the Old Passport: A Practical Guide

Losing your passport, having it stolen, or finding it damaged beyond recognition is undoubtedly a stressful experience, especially when you're living abroad in the UAE. The good news is that renewing your Indian passport under these circumstances is absolutely possible, but it follows a different process than a standard renewal. This isn't just a "renewal"; it's a "re-issue of passport in lieu of lost, stolen, or damaged passport," and it requires a few extra, crucial steps. Think of this guide as a friend walking you through it, step-by-step.

Let's get straight to it: the most important thing to understand is that you'll need to prove your passport is genuinely gone or unusable. This means getting a police report in the UAE.

Before You Start: The Essential Prerequisites

Before you even think about filling out forms, you need to lay the groundwork. Missing any of these steps will cause significant delays.

1. File a Police Report (Mandatory): This is non-negotiable. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must file a report with the local police in the UAE where the incident occurred. If it's damaged, you still need to report the damage to the police.
   • How to do it: You can often start this process online through the respective police portals (e.g., Dubai Police website or app, Abu Dhabi Police website). You'll usually need your Emirates ID and details of the incident.
   • What you get: You'll receive an official police report. Make sure you get a copy in English or have it officially translated, as it's a key document for your application.
2. Prepare an Affidavit (Annexure 'F'): You'll need to declare the circumstances of your lost/stolen/damaged passport. This is usually done by filling out a specific form called Annexure 'F'. This form is available on the BLS International UAE website. You'll need to fill it out and get it attested.
3. Gather Other Standard Documents: Even without your old passport, you'll need proof of your identity, nationality, and legal residence in the UAE.

Step-by-Step Process to Re-Issue Your Passport

Once you have your police report and understand the affidavit requirement, you can begin the application process. Remember, all Indian passport services in the UAE are handled by BLS International, acting as an outsourced agency for the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Step 1: File Your Police Report & Get the Attestation

As mentioned, this is your absolute first move.

• Visit your local police station or use their online portal to report the loss, theft, or damage of your passport.
• Obtain the official police report. Keep both the original and several photocopies.
• For Damaged Passports: Even if damaged, a police report stating the damage is typically required. Check the latest guidelines on the BLS website for specifics.

Step 2: Complete the Online Passport Application Form

This is where you officially apply for the re-issue.

• Go to the official Passport Seva website (specifically the NRI section).
• Register as a new user if you haven't already.
• Log in and select "Apply for Re-issue of Passport."
• Crucially, when prompted, select the reason for re-issue as "Lost Passport," "Stolen Passport," or "Damaged Passport" (whichever applies to your situation).
• Fill in all your details accurately. Be meticulous. Any discrepancies can lead to delays.
• Once completed, print out the application form. You'll need this physical copy.

Step 3: Prepare Your Affidavit (Annexure 'F')

• Download Annexure 'F' from the BLS International UAE website.
• Fill it out truthfully, detailing the circumstances of your passport's loss, theft, or damage.
• This affidavit needs to be attested by a Notary Public in India OR by a Consular Officer at the Indian Embassy/Consulate in UAE (usually done at BLS itself during submission or a separate appointment if required). BLS will guide you on the attestation process for this specific form.

Step 4: Gather All Required Documents

This is a critical checklist. Make sure you have both original documents and photocopies (usually two sets) for everything.

• Printed Online Application Form: The one you completed in Step 2.
• Original Police Report: The one you obtained in Step 1.
• Original Annexure 'F' Affidavit: Duly filled and ready for attestation (or already attested).
• Proof of Indian Nationality:
  • Copy of your previous passport (if you have even a photocopy, it's extremely helpful). Even if you don't have it, other documents like Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Birth Certificate can help, but the copy of the old passport is preferred.
  • Any other Indian ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar card).
• Proof of UAE Residency:
  • Original and copy of your valid UAE Visa/Resident Permit.
  • Original and copy of your valid Emirates ID.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized color photographs (usually 2-4, as per BLS specifications – typically 2x2 inches, white background, matte finish). Check BLS website for exact requirements.
• Address Proof in India: Documents like Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, etc., showing your current address in India.
• Self-attested copies: Make sure to self-attest all photocopies.

Step 5: Book an Appointment with BLS International

• Visit the BLS International UAE website and navigate to the "Appointment Booking" section.
• Select the correct center (Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on your visa's issuing authority or where you reside).
• Choose a suitable date and time. Print your appointment confirmation.

Step 6: Visit the BLS International Center

• Arrive at the BLS center at your scheduled appointment time with all your original documents and their photocopies.
• Your documents will be checked, and your application will be reviewed.
• You will pay the applicable fees (passport re-issue fee + BLS service charge). The fee for a lost/stolen/damaged passport is higher than a standard renewal. Check the BLS website for current fees.
• You will be given an acknowledgment receipt with a file number. Keep this safe!

Step 7: Police Verification (Potentially in India)

For lost or stolen passports, especially if you don't have a copy of your old passport, a police verification at your permanent address in India is highly likely. This means local police in your hometown in India will visit your declared address. This can sometimes be the longest part of the process. Make sure your family or contacts in India are aware and can assist.

Step 8: Track Your Application

• You can track your application status using the file number on both the BLS International UAE website and the Passport Seva website.
• Be patient; this process takes longer than a regular renewal.

Step 9: Collect Your New Passport

• Once your passport status shows "Passport has been dispatched," you will receive an SMS/email notification from BLS.
• You can either collect it in person from the BLS center with your acknowledgment receipt and Emirates ID, or if you opted for courier delivery, it will be sent to your registered address.

Key Documents Checklist (Recap & Bold)

• Original Police Report (translated to English if necessary)
• Original Annexure 'F' Affidavit (duly filled and attested)
• Printout of Online Passport Application Form
• Original and Copy of Valid UAE Visa/Resident Permit
• Original and Copy of Valid Emirates ID
• Proof of Indian Address (e.g., Aadhaar card, utility bill)
• Passport-sized Photographs (as per BLS specifications)
• Copy of Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passport (if available, even a digital copy helps significantly)
• Any other supporting documents requested by BLS or the Consulate.

Fees & Timeframes

• Fees: Expect the fee for a lost/stolen/damaged passport to be significantly higher than a normal renewal (e.g., AED 500-700+ for the passport itself, plus BLS service charges and any attestation fees). Always check the latest fee schedule on the BLS International UAE website.
• Timeframe: This is not a quick process. While a standard renewal might take 7-10 working days, a re-issue due to loss/theft/damage can take 4-8 weeks, or even longer, especially if police verification in India is required. Be prepared for delays.

Common Questions & Practical Tips

• What if I don't have a copy of my old passport? It's still possible, but the process might take longer, and police verification in India is almost guaranteed. Provide as much detail as you remember about your old passport (passport number, date of issue, place of issue).
• Can I travel while my application is pending? No. You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Your old passport is no longer valid, and your new one is still being processed.
• What if I have urgent travel to India? If you have an absolute emergency to travel to India (e.g., medical emergency, death in the family), you might be eligible for an "Emergency Certificate (EC)." This is a one-way travel document to India and is issued only in dire circumstances. It does not replace a passport. Contact the Consulate directly for EC inquiries.
• Keep copies of everything! Every single document you submit, keep a copy for your records.
• Be patient and follow up: Use the online tracking system regularly. If there's a prolonged delay, you can contact BLS or the Consulate (after a reasonable waiting period).
• Double-check everything: Review your application form and documents multiple times before submission to avoid errors.

Realistic Expectations

Renewing an Indian passport in the UAE when your old one is lost, stolen, or damaged is a serious administrative process. It involves more scrutiny and steps than a regular renewal. Expect it to take time, require thorough documentation, and potentially involve police verification in India. However, by being prepared, organized, and patient, you will successfully obtain your new passport. Good luck!